Bio Blast: Miami (Ohio) RedHawks

KSR’s scouting report feature will return on Thursday as we get into the weeds to break down Kentucky’s opponents. The Wildcats open the season with Miami (Ohio) on Saturday, and this feels like the best Group of Five teams the program has faced since Southern Miss rolled into Lexington to begin the 2016 season.

We all know how that one ended.

KSR is here to help get the Big Blue Nation ready for the game. Let’s start diving into Miami (Ohio) and see why head coach Chuck Martin has a squad that is expected to contend for a MAC title this season.

Star quarterback

St. Louis (Mo.) Christian Brothers quarterback Brett Gabbert (6-0, 205, RJr.) was a class of 2019 recruit who received multiple offers from MAC programs The younger brother of NFL quarterback Blaine Gabbert decided to commit to Miami (Ohio).

Gabbert would then immediately start all 14 games as a true freshman leading the RedHawks to its first conference title since 2010. The redshirt junior has started in 26 total games over the last three seasons throwing for 5,443 yards on 8.4 yards per attempt with 41 touchdowns. The pocket passer has a low career completion rate (57.4%) but has consistently been able to connect on deep throws.

The kryptonite for Kentucky’s defense last year was good quarterbacks who could make accurate throws into small windows (really every defense’s kryptonite). Gabbert can do that. Kentucky’s new look pass defense will be challenged as the Miami (Ohio) star is one of many good quarterbacks Brad White’s defense will face this season.

Transfer portal lowered the ceiling in Oxford

Despite having to play three games without Gabbert at quarterback during the season, Miami (Ohio) still played Kent State for the division title on the last weekend of the season. The big-play offense had a say in the team’s success, but the RedHawks leaned on a strong defense throughout the season that provided playmaking.

The RedHawks finished No. 47 overall last season in points per drive (2.02) as the defense leaned on havoc production ranking No. 8 nationally in tackles for loss (102). Unfortunately, many of those havoc producers will be playing for other programs this season.

Miami (Ohio) lost linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (125 tackles, 13 tackles for loss) to Cincinnati. EDGE Kameron Butler (53 tackles, 8 sacks, 5 non-sack tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles) is now at Virginia. EDGE Lonnie Phelps (30 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 4 non-sack tackles for loss) has moved to Kansas. Add in three other contributors whose eligibility expired, and this unit has been gutted.

Nine-year assistant Bill Brechin was promoted to play-caller in the offseason after last year’s co-coordinators made the jump to Ohio. The veteran has his work cut out for him. The RedHawks will get star linebacker Ryan McWood (6-2, 221, Super) back in the lineup after he missed last season with injury, but there is a ton of production to replace.

Miami (Ohio) added transfers from East Carolina, Iowa State, and Michigan State in the offseason to fill holes, but all signs point to this unit taking a step back.

Power Five skill talent

Jack Sorenson was the clear No. 1 target at wide receiver for Miami (Ohio) in 2021. The wideout finished the year with 76 receptions for 1,406 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging an explosive 18.5 yards per reception. Sorenson moved on and signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, but wide receiver is still in good shape.

Former Penn State transfer Mac Hippenhammer (5-11, 190, Super) was a high-quality second option last season with 48 receptions for 746 yards. The former high three-star recruit was explosive in 2021, and the RedHawks are hopeful he’ll transition to a No. 1 role.

#MiamiOH transfer Mac Hippenhammer, who was previously at #PennState, has flashed the last 2 weeks against Cincy and Minnesota.

Has a catch over 30+ yards in each game. Showcases great tracking and body control.

Two sport athlete, also plays baseball. Athleticism easy to see. pic.twitter.com/DzC78QCdR3

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) September 14, 2021

Indiana transfer Miles Marshall (6-4, 205, RSr.) was added to the roster in the offseason. The Lilburn (Ga.) Parkview product brings solid size to the position and should fill in for Sorenson in the boundary playing X receiver. The Big Ten transfer played in 33 games for the Hoosiers logging 57 receptions for 797 yards in his career.

Miami (Ohio) has some legit targets for their star quarterback to use in the passing game.

A tackling machine

There are many front seven questions that Miami (Ohio) needs to answer this season, but the RedHawks should feel very good at linebacker. Ryan McWood is returning to the lineup and he’ll join a rising star in Oxford.

Matthew Salopek (6-1, 220, RJr.) began his career as a safety but was allowed to play in the box last season for Miami (Ohio) as a Will linebacker. In that role, the Akron (Ohio) Archbishop Hoban product became a star recording 112 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss in over 700 snaps players. Salopek brings range to the position with the athletic ability to make some plays in coverage.

The second-team All-MAC selection enters this year as one of the defense’s top players, and the RedHawks will need him to be highly productive again.